February 12-March 11, 2012

NEW THIS YEAR: Included in the price - 2 FMM tourist permits, membership or membership renewal and a limited edition 45th anniversary beer mug.

We will introduce you to these two favorite things to do and see in Baja and will take you down to Cabo San Lucas and take you back to California in both RVs and passenger cars. We’ll spend five nights on two of Baja’s best beach campgrounds - El Pabellon on the Pacific and Santispac on Conception Bay. We will experience three days of whale watching - two with gray whales in Scammon’s Lagoon and out of Lopez Mateos during the height of the season. Both of these gray whale wintering areas have developed “friendly” mothers who bring their calves right up to the boats and enjoy being stroked. In Loreto we will search for blue whales and several other species. In La Paz we’ll seek out the magnificent whale sharks.

The fee per rig with two people is $2,590. Non members will receive membership free. Call Vag HQ at (800) 474-2252 for reservations and pay your $200 deposit.

Wagon Masters will be Desmond and Marla Moreland

Day 1. February 12, Sunday – Meet at Jamul near San Diego in the Thousand Trails RV Park for orientation.

Day 2. February 13, Monday – Car pool to Tecate to validate tourist FMM documents obtained in the Vagabundos office.

Days 3-4. February 14-15, Tuesday-Wednesday – Cross at Otay Mesa and stay at Estero Beach Resort in Ensenada.

Days 5-6. February 16-17, Thursday-Friday – El Pabellon Beach south of San Quintin or Los Olivos (Hotel near).

Day 7. February 18, Saturday– Santa Ynez Ranch in Catavina. Dry camping. Autos at Desert Inn.

Days 8-9. February 19-20, Sunday-Monday– Mario’s RV Park and Restaurant for whale watching in Scammon’s Lagoon. (Price with lunch) Dinner Day 9.

Day 10. February 21, Tuesday – Rice and Beans RV Park and Restaurant. See San Ignacio.

Days 11-12. February 22-23, Wednesday-Thursday– Villa Maria RV Park in Mulege.

Day 13-14. February 24-25, Friday-Saturday– Palapa 206 in Ciudad Constitucion. Whale watching at Lopez Mateos. (Price with lunch)

Days 15-16. February 26-27, Sunday-Monday – Maranatha RV Park in La Paz.

Days 17-18, February 28-29, Tuesday-Wednesday – Vagabundos del Mar RV Park in Cabo San Lucas. Dinner Day 18.

Days 19- 20. March 1-2, Thursday-Friday  – Playa Norte in Los Barriles.

Day 21. March 3, Saturday- Maranatha RV Park in La Paz.

Days 22-24. March 4-6, Sunday-Tuesday – Loreto Shores RV Park. Whale watching and San Javier. (Prices) Dinner Day 24.

Days 25-26, March 7-8, Wednesday-Thursday – Santispac Beach on Conception Bay. Hotel Serenidad for autos.

Day 27. March 9, Friday – Mario’s RV Park and Restaurant in Guerrero Negro.

Day 28. March 10, Saturday - El Pabellon Beach south of San Quintin or Los Olivos..

Day 29. March 11, Sunday - Tijuana crossing into the U.S. Vags will mail FMM documents to Mexican Office.

ADVENTURE TOURS

INFORMATION 

Mechanical Needs

1. Everyone is responsible for keeping his rig in good running condition. Have vehicles serviced and checked over before leaving home. The following is suggested:

Tune-up

Oil and filter change

Air filter change

Gas filter change

Lubrication

Wheel bearings checked and/or packed

Inspect all hoses under the hood and replace if unduly soft or brittle

Inspect all belts and replace if frayed

Check all fluid levels

Check wiper blades and replace if necessary

Check shock absorbers and replace if necessary

Check and clean battery terminals, check fluid level and general condition

Check front end alignment

Check tires for condition and pressure, including spare

Check turn signals, tail lights and brake lights

Check wheel lug nuts for tightness

2. Inspect trailer and fifth-wheel springs carefully for any cracks or bad bushings. Chances are if they are 8-10 years old and have had considerable use, they will break somewhere that you won’t want them to. If one breaks, the others will soon follow.

3. Suggested spare parts to bring are:

Belt – 1 spare for each one under the hood

Air filter – 1

Tire – 1 one for each size on vehicles and trailers

Jack – 1 heavy enough to lift a corner of your rig

Lug wrenches – 1 for each size nuts on vehicles and trailers

Hitch ball – 1 if pulling trailer

Hoses – 1 for each under the hood

Keys – 1 spare set

Oil – enough for a change, plus extra for emergency

Oil filters – 2

Fuel filters – 2

Flashlights – 2 plus extra batteries

Distilled water for batteries

One trailer springs and shackle

4. In case of breakdown the Wagon Master will assist you to get it going, or will see you to a mechanic. Then it will be up to you. Green Angel trucks provided by the Mexican Department of Tourism travel main highways to help travelers in need. The drivers are bi-lingual and have simple spare parts, tools and radios for obtaining other assistance if needed. Tips are accepted.

Communications

1. CB radios and Family 2-way radios will be used for communicating while the caravan is on the road. Be sure to have one of each that works.

2. Leave the Club phone numbers, (800) 474-2252 and (707) 374-5511, with family and friends. We will try to locate you in case of emergency.

3. Arrange for Mexico coverage with your cell phone service provider.

4. Many RV parks in Mexico now have WiFi.

Towed Vehicle

If you have a small vehicle which you tow behind a motorhome it is recommended that you bring it for convenient transportation out of campgrounds.

Services

Mexico is a foreign country that does not have the same standards as the U.S. or Canada as far as services for electricity, water, etc. There will be dry camping and camping with facilities that may or may not work all the time. We recommend you buy purified water. Arrangements can usually be made in campgrounds to buy it from vendors who will pour the five-gallon containers into your rig.

Personal Documents Required

1. Passport for each person.

2. Prepaid Tourist Permit (FMM) properly filled out for each person (can be purchased from Club Headquarters). A passport is required.

3. Current International Health Certificate from your veterinarian for each pet.

4. Valid current registration for each vehicle, trailer and boat.

5. Copy of the title for each vehicle or boat (sometimes the original must be presented).

6. Low-cost Mexican Insurance Liability Policy for each vehicle.

7. Mexican Fishing License for each individual to be involved in fishing from a boat or being a passenger on the boat. These can be purchased from Club Headquarters.